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Health and wellbeing

We’ve been involved in travel health for many years and your wellbeing is very important to us. Following these simple tips can make a big difference to how you feel when you arrive at your destination.

wear comfortable clothes

choose lighter meals

moderate your alcohol, tea and coffee intake

gently exercise regularly during the flight

British Airways is committed to making your trip relaxing from the moment you step into the airport. In order to embrace the spirit of travel, you should first ensure your mind and body are healthy and balanced and you can do this by following simple tips from leading consultant in mindfulness Mark Coleman.

Relax your muscles with gentle stretches or walk up and down the aisle.

After landing

If you are a Gold Executive Club Member, or travelling in First or Club World, head straight for the Arrivals lounge at London Heathrow to freshen up before leaving the airport.

In the arrivals lounges at London Heathrow or New York JFK, visit the Elemis Travel Spa and treat yourself to some exclusive treatments and skin-therapies.

When you get to your final destination treat yourself to a massage or gentle swim to enhance your sense of wellbeing.

Sleep and exercise tips

Sleep and gentle exercise on a flight is important to boost your energy levels, helping you to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.

Alcohol

Moderating alcohol can be the key to peaceful sleep.

If you’re used to having a night cap at bedtime it can help but avoid excess alcohol as it can cause your sleep pattern to be disturbed.

Caffeine

If you use caffeine in the right way it can help you manage your sleep more effectively.

Rather than drink it throughout the day, only have it if you’re feeling sleepy and need to stay awake. Avoid having it close to when you want to sleep.

Strategic napping

Having a nap at any time of the day can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are travelling to a different time zone work out when you would normally be sleeping and plan to have a nap for 45 mins. This will revitalise you and help you get through to when you need to go to bed and sleep properly.

Medication

We don’t recommend using sleep medication during a flight as it may prevent you from following the cabin crew instructions in the unlikely event of an emergency. You may also be too sleepy to move around on the flight, which could increase your risk of circulatory problems.

If you do plan to take medication always keep it in the original packaging, carry enough to last the duration of your trip and bring it in your hand baggage so you have easy access to it. If it is new medication always try it at home first in case you suffer any side effects.

Mindfulness tips while you travel

Founder of the Mindfulness Institute Mark Coleman in his role as mindfulness consultant has been leading meditation retreats worldwide since 1997 and is a senior teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center near San Francisco, California. He has given British Airways customers some helpful guidance on practicing mindfulness when travelling.

Before you fly

Mindfulness is the ability to focus in the present moment, instead of being distracted by the noise in our lives.

Getting to the airport can sometimes be challenging. After checking in and arriving at your gate or settling in the lounge, take five minutes to center yourself with these simple techniques, which will help set a positive tone for the rest of your trip.

In the air

Once you reach cruising altitude or perhaps after your main meal, set aside time to develop a deep sense of calm and comfort through these meditation practices, to achieve a tranquil travel experience.

Prepare for arrival

Whether you’re meeting with loved ones or business partners when you land, use these mindfulness practices to greet whatever transition awaits you with awareness and clarity.

Relaxation exercises to try in the air

Once you are on board, take a look at our High Life magazine for additional wellbeing advice. On most flights, you can also watch our wellbeing video with exercises and tips for healthy travelling.

Flying with confidence

Are you worried about flying?

Why not book yourself on to a Flying With Confidence course to help you conquer your fear.